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South Sudan

South Sudan

​​Summary

Do not travel to South Sudan, including Juba, because of instability, ongoing conflict and a deterioration of law and order.

If you are in South Sudan, leave if safe to do so.

Armed conflict, including attacks on civilian populations, is ongoing – or at risk of breaking out with little warning – across the country. See
Safety and security.

Local authorities can apply curfews, roadblocks and other security measures, often without notice. See
Safety and security.

Further civil unrest and military activity in the South Sudan – Sudan border area is likely. There have been direct military confrontations between South Sudan and Sudan in border regions since early 2012. See
Safety and security.

The border between South Sudan and Ethiopia is unstable. Intercommunal violence is common. In April 2016, armed South Sudanese abducted several children from Ethiopian territory. See
Safety and security.

The security environment means the Australian Government can provide only extremely limited consular assistance to Australians in South Sudan. Where possible, consular services are provided by the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. See
Where to get help.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.

Do not travel to South Sudan, including Juba. If you're in South Sudan, depart immediately if safe to do so.

Visas

If you plan to travel to South Sudan despite our advice, you'll need a visa issued in advance. You won't be allowed to fly to Juba without a valid visa.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact an Embassy or Consulate for South Sudan for up-to-date information.

Other formalities

You may need a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to enter South Sudan. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is preventable by vaccination. It is endemic in South Sudan. Read
Yellow fever for information on re-entry to Australia following exposure to yellow fever.

Money

The local currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP). South Sudan is a cash-based society. Credit and debit cards, travellers cheques, and cash cards are not generally accepted. You'll need to pay cash (local currency or US dollars dated 2009 onwards) for all purchases, including hotel bills. There are no international ATMs in Juba.

Safety and security

Armed conflict, civil unrest and political tension

Many thousands of people have been killed since violence began in December 2013. Fighting between armed groups across the country is ongoing. There is a serious risk of attacks on civilians by armed groups. The security situation is volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning.

High levels of intercommunal violence, cattle raids, banditry and general lack of law and order across South Sudan also threaten travellers' security. National or international events could see attacks targeting foreigners.

The border areas with South Sudan’s neighbouring countries, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, remain particularly dangerous owing to armed conflict, military activity, tribal and other violence.

Local authorities can impose curfews, roadblocks and other security measures with little or no warning.

monitor the media for any new safety and security risks, including political events that may inflame existing tensions

if civil unrest of conflict erupts, shelter indoors, avoid movement on the streets, monitor the media and contact friends and family in Australia with regular updates about your welfare and whereabouts

leave South Sudan as soon as possible.

Terrorism

Attacks may be indiscriminate and could occur at any time.

Security against terror attacks at official facilities is high. Terrorists may turn towards easier targets, such as residential compounds. Other possible targets include transport hubs such as airports, railways and bus stations; buildings associated with foreign governments, multinational corporations or international organisations; oil installations; areas popular with foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars and tourist areas; and other public spaces including schools, marketplaces, places of worship and outdoor recreation events.

If, despite our advice, you're in South Sudan:

be alert to possible threats

report any suspicious activity or items to police.

in planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided

monitor the media for any new or emerging threats

take official warnings seriously

follow the instructions of local authorities

if there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it is safe to do so

avoid the affected area in the aftermath of an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks.

Crime

Violent crime is widespread, at all times of day. Kidnapping, murder, shootings, home invasions, armed robbery, carjacking and sexual assault are common throughout South Sudan.

The security risk is especially high in Juba, where carjacking and gun crime are frequent and include compound invasions and attacks on hotels, restaurants and other places foreigners go. Non-violent petty theft and fraud are also common, including pickpocketing, theft of items from vehicles and fraudulent currency exchanges.

There is no official government curfew in Juba, but most embassies and international organisations observe a self-imposed curfew, the timing of which varies in response to local events.

guard against carjacking – be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic

carry only what you need - leave other valuables in a secure location

secure your accommodation against intruders

be alert to your surroundings at all times

due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, if you are a victim of violent crime, especially rape, seek immediate medical assistance outside of South Sudan.

Local travel

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance are a danger throughout South Sudan. Use only main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.

Road travel

Road travel is very dangerous due to both poor road conditions and the security environment. Hazards include poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and inadequate street lighting. Very few roads are surfaced and maintained. Pedestrians and animals often wander on or near roads. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, overloaded and weave in and out of traffic. Police coverage of roadways outside of major towns is limited. Traffic police are poorly trained. Local drivers routinely ignore traffic signals and traffic accidents are

During the wet season (July to November), road conditions deteriorate. Highways and other roads may become impassable and some parts of the country can become inaccessible for months.

Roadblocks and checkpoints (official and unofficial) are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba.
Diplomatic, UN and NGO drivers have been stopped and harassed at checkpoints. Checkpoints are often manned by armed men, demanding money from drivers and passengers, particularly after dark.

Public transport

Avoid public transport. Many vehicles are badly maintained. Driving standards can be poor.

Air travel

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in South Sudan. More information:
Air travel

Laws

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our
Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include the death penalty.

Other laws

The judiciary and court system in South Sudan are rudimentary. Legal proceedings can be lengthy, unpredictable and ineffective.

Seek professional advice if you might engage in activities that involved local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support). Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Penalties for criminal offences include death, corporal punishment and long jail terms.

Dual nationals

South Sudan recognises dual nationality but considers its dual citizens as South Sudanese in the first instance. If you are an Australian-South Sudanese dual national and you're arrested or detained, you may not be allowed to notify the Australian Government of your situation. More information:
Dual nationals

Local customs

Conservative standards of dress and behaviour are expected in South Sudan, particularly in rural areas. Homosexuality is frowned upon and may lead to harassment by the public and/or police.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Make sure your policy includes adequate coverage for any pre-existing conditions.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and are not covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to and find out if any quantity restrictions or certification requirements apply. Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel.

Take enough legal prescription medicine with you to last for the duration of your stay so you remain in good health. Carry copies of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Health risks

Polio

There have been ongoing outbreaks of polio in countries across the Horn of Africa. Ensure you have completed a primary course of polio vaccination and receive a booster dose prior to travel. If you are unsure of your polio vaccination status, check with your doctor or travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before you depart.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is endemic and malaria is a risk throughout the year in all parts of South Sudan. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, filariasis, leishmaniasis, river blindness and African sleeping sickness) also occur.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. If you are exposed to a risk of infection, including as a victim of rape or other violent crime, seek immediate medical assistance outside of South Sudan.

contact friends and family in Australia with regular updates about your welfare and whereabouts.

Severe weather and climate

Flooding occurs frequently in South Sudan, particularly during the rainy season (July to November). Floods can lead to shortages of drinking water and food and can damage transport and communication infrastructure. The risk of contracting a water-borne disease persists after floodwaters recede.

Northern areas of South Sudan often experience extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can exceed 50˚C.

Sandstorms, drought and dust storms occur.

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency phone numbers

Fire: phone 999

Medical emergency: phone 999 or go to the nearest hospital

Crime: phone 999 or visit the nearest police station

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Australian Government

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government ordinarily can and can't do to help you overseas. The security situation and other factors mean the Australian Government's ability to provide consular services in South Sudan is extremely limited.

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in South Sudan. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.